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We all carry visions within us of the images of the life we want to create. The way we see ourselves, the careers we’re building, the relationships we nurture, and of course, the homes we live in.
Vision is the starting point for everything. It is the seed from which reality grows. But vision is more than just aesthetics. It is the clarity, direction, and intention we seek.
When it comes to home, vision isn’t all about beauty. It’s about how you move through your it and how it makes you feel. When you have a vision, decisions begin to align naturally, creating a home that feels both cohesive and intentional.
Vision takes time, but the right tools make the practice feel effortless. These are the pieces I reach for when I’m clarifying how I want my home to feel. Consider this your simple starter kit.
Stylish Inspiration Notebook
A chic, well-made journal turns reflection into a ritual. Use it to capture how you want your home to feel. Break it down room by room and think through it intentionally. Jot down three words that describe the feelings you want your home to evoke.
For example, calm, elevated, inviting, etc. These words become your design compass. Also use this journal to capture your morning and evening reflections as well as room by room intentions
Pen to paper is a great way to brain dump all of your thoughts into writing and it gives you instant clarity.
Pens & Highlighters
Elevate the experience with a pen you love and a couple of beautiful highlighters. Color-code ideas, circle patterns, and box out next steps. If the tools you use excite you, you’ll actually want to use them.
Neutral Linen Pinboard
These are great for physical mood boarding and inspiration clippings. Using a pinboard takes your vision into something visible. Pin clippings, print outs, fabric swatches, and paint samples. Watch themes emerge as you curate this. You will be surprised by your findings!
Coffee Table Books
Interior design inpsired coffee table books are great tools to gather inspiration from. Flip through a few pages each day and note what draws you in. Maybe its the materials, lighting, proportions, or mood. Use these as a tool to train your eye into a designer’s eye, and let it inform your choices. There is so much information and hidden knowledge inside.
The real beauty is that we all have different visions for our lives and our homes. Not one vision is ever the same.
Beauty is subjective and rooted in what inspires you personally, which is what I love most about interior design. I love the uniqueness, the character, and the personality.
Your home should be tailored to who you are. Not your friend, neighbor, or coworker. It’s all about how you live and want to live. And your home should inspire you to do so. It should be a reflection of oneself.
So, when you picture your dream home, what is the first feeling that comes to mind? Calm? Connection? Inspired? Something else? Take a moment to ask yourself that question and reflect. You will begin to see things so much clearer once you do so.
The 10 Minute Vision Ritual
Let’s put these tools to use! Use this step by step exercise to get yourself started to help shape your design vision when you’re feeling stumped:
- Write your three feeling words.
- Clip or print 3 to 5 images and pin them.
- Flip through a coffee table book or magazine and bookmark the pages that inspire you.
- Highlight one actionable move for a single room.
Not Sure What Your Design Style Is?
As you start collecting inspiration, you may notice certain colors, materials, shapes, and styles showing up again and again. Those patterns are clues to what you’re naturally drawn to.
Take my free Design Style Quiz to uncover your style and give yourself a clearer starting point for shaping the vision for your home.
If you loved this blog post, be sure to check out these related posts:
Why Every Beautiful Home Starts With A Vision
How To Define Your Home’s Design Direction (And Why It Matters)
From Vision to Design Style: How to Discover the Look That’s Truly You
How to Know Where to Start When Designing Your Home
